Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:25 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:05 a.m. UTC
Can I trust this information?
These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization, to inform voters via TurboVote and other partners. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.
How do I report an issue with the information provided on this page?
Drop us a line to report an issue, share feedback or ask questions about the voting information on this page.
Summary
A few weeks before the election, Colorado will mail a ballot to every voter registered at least eight (8) days before Election Day. Keep an eye on the mailbox! Be sure to mail it back so that it is received by Election Day, or drop it in a drop box before or on Election Day! You can also vote in person during early voting and on Election Day if you prefer to do so. If you register to vote less than eight (8) days before Election Day, you can vote in person.
Top Actions
Who can register to vote?
To register in Colorado you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of Colorado for at least 22 days immediately before the election in which you intend to vote
- be at least 16 years old, and you must be at least 18 on or before election day to be eligible to vote
- not be serving a sentence of detention or confinement for a felony conviction
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Colorado's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, Colorado does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
If you choose to vote in person in Colorado, you will need to show ID. If your form of identification shows your address, that address must be in the state of Colorado.
Acceptable forms include:
- Colorado driver's license
- valid ID card issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue
- US passport
- employee ID with photo issued by any entity of the US government or Colorado
- pilot's license issued by the FAA or other authorized agency of the US
- US military ID with photo
- ID card issued by a federally recognized tribal government
- Medicare or Medicaid card
- certified copy of your US birth certificate
- certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaskan Native Blood
- certified documentation of naturalization
- student ID with photo issued by a Colorado institute of higher education
- veteran's ID with photo issued by the VA
- current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document showing name and address (within last 60 days)
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot, or you may request a mail ballot to take home, sign, and return to your county clerk. Your signature is used to verify your identity on a mail ballot.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Colorado’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Colorado does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
If you choose to vote in person in Colorado, you will need to show ID. If your form of identification shows your address, that address must be in the state of Colorado.
Acceptable forms include:
- Colorado driver's license
- valid ID card issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue
- US passport
- employee ID with photo issued by any entity of the US government or Colorado
- pilot's license issued by the FAA or other authorized agency of the US
- US military ID with photo
- ID card issued by a federally recognized tribal government
- Medicare or Medicaid card
- certified copy of your US birth certificate
- certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaskan Native Blood
- certified documentation of naturalization
- student ID with photo issued by a Colorado institute of higher education
- veteran's ID with photo issued by the VA
- current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document showing name and address (within last 60 days)
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot, or you may request a mail ballot to take home, sign, and return to your county clerk. Your signature is used to verify your identity on a mail ballot.
How do I vote by mail?
Colorado conducts elections primarily by mail. If you are an active registered voter and you submitted your voter registration application at least eight days before Election Day, then you can expect to receive a ballot in the mail. It will be sent to the mailing address on your voter registration file.
If you are voting by mail for the first time, you may also need to provide a copy of your ID when you return your mail ballot. For more information, please visit the Colorado Secretary of State's website.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office. You can also vote in person at a voter service and polling center.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or use a ballot drop box or drop-off location.
- Find a ballot dropbox near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, USPS recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Colorado’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Colorado does offer in person registration on Election Day.
Get Ready to Vote
- Colorado Coordinated Election : Nov 7
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the Colorado Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Colorado. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Colorado's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In Colorado, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Colorado. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.